Disney Promotes Bungie Co-Founder to Games Division Head

Disney Interactive has been going through a bit of a change recently, from going digital-only and laying-off of a major percentage of its staff. Perhaps reflecting such a dynamic shift in corporate policy, the Interactive House of Mouse has promoted Alex Seropian to Head of Internal Development. The Bungie co-founder (and founder of Wideload Games) now holds dominion over all Disney Interactive-owned studios, from Epic Mickey‘s Junction Point to Split/Second‘s Black Rock Studios. Lane Merrifield (creator of Club Penguin) was also promoted, to the head of Family and Children games.

Disney also took this time to clarify the spread of its recent lay-offs. While initial estimates put the pink slip count at over 500 employees, the company released a report placing the count at around 200 employees, or 30% of the workforce. Company Presidents Jimmy Pitaro and John Pleasants also released a statement on the issue.

“Reorganisations require very difficult decisions and this one is no different,” read the email. “We must continuously evaluate our structure and organisation and its needs in order to make Disney’s digital content and businesses even more robust and successful.”